[FWDLK] Carburetors and overdrive

[Dan Morton <morton@RAD.UPENN.EDU>]

I have a '55 Savoy with a 6 cyl engine.  I haven't fully scoped out yet what
parts are missing, but the car was once equipped with overdrive.  One part
that I know is missing is the kickdown switch on the carburetor, although
the bracket that holds it is there.

One thing that puzzles me is that the carburetor has a dashpot.  My shop
manual says this is a part that is used only with PowerFlite transmissions,
to retard the closing of the throttle when the accelerator is suddenly
released, thus preventing stalling.  Is there a reason why it might also be
used with overdrive, or is it likely that the carburetor is a replacement
designed for an automatic?

In any event -- I plan to replace the carburetor with a rebuilt.  This leads
to the following questions:
1)  Do I need a dashpot, and if so, will the carburetor come with one (or,
can I order it with one)?
2)  Where can I get a kickdown switch for the overdrive?
3)  Can I get a rebuilt with the automatic choke mechanism included?  The
car will be a driver, so I don't care if the choke mechanism design is
different than the factory.
4)  Where's the best place to go to get what I need?

        adTHANKSvance,
        Dan